The Warner sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1885-1???, 1887-02-25

OF times; and in such scenery as this,
one feels forced to pause frequently
to look around.
II expected to meet you coming
back" explained the MAJOR. "But /
was looking for you III that direc-
tion," indicating another path more
to the right. 81 was quite surprised
when / saw you coming toward me-"
With what feelings of relief did the
lovers listen to the Majors innocent
remarks!
At their early dinner the Major
drew from his pocket a letter which
he had received by the mornings
post and had forgotten to read.
With a polite excuse me, my dear"
to his niece, he hastily glanced at the
contents. 81 must leave for London
by the IL o'clock train tomorrow
morning" he exclaimed. This letter
is of the utmost importance. How
stupid of me to have delayed reading
it," .
cam to accompany you, uncle?"
asked Maude family.
"No, no, my dear; there's no need
for you to do that. l shall be back
here by the evening of the following
day"
The Major was very preoccupied I'M
til dinner was over, but as Maude
had also much food for reflection,
silence was agreeable to both.
II wonder il / could do anything
for Mr.. Browne while l am in town"
queried the Major. "My DEAR" turn
ing to Maude, "just write a little note
to him asking him to step over for q
minute. You know we half promised
to show him the way to Fairy Glen
this afternoon. Idon't feel incli1led
for any more walking myself; but
there is no easo why you shouldn't
accompany him, if you are not tired
and he is agreeable to the arrange
ment."
Maude's note. quickly brought Mr..
Browne, and the lovers were soon on
their way to Fairy Glen.
"My darling, we are in luck's way!"
exclaimed Jack. "Your uncle's alb
sence will make matters as simple as
an A B @ guide. 1 shall have to-mor-
row to make the necessary arrange
ments. We can be married the fol-
lowing morning. and by the time your
uncle returns in the evening we shall
be miles away from here"
Maude ~acquiesced rather reluctant
ly. She loved Jack dearly; but stiff
she had some conjunction about de-
ceiving her uncle, who, with the ex-
ception of the unaccountable obstina-
cy he had shown toward her lover,
had always been ready to humor her.
Jack, however, drew such q glowing
picture of the happiness IL store for
them and declared with so much con.
fidence Major Henderson's anger
would not last more than three weeks
when once the irrovocable step was
taken that Maude was much COM
forted.
When they returned Major Hender-
son pressed Mr.. Browne to spend the
evening at Honeysuckle Cottage. Tea
being over, the Major asked Maude if
she would mind packing his portman-
teau for MIN.
II have laid out the things 1 wish
to take, my dear. You will fit them
in more neatly than ] could"
Maude was delighted to have an
opportunity of doing a last little
kindly act.
Directly she had left the room, the
Major began fidgeting about, and at
length got up and paced the room.
Suddenly turning to Mr.. Browne, he
said: Comparative stranger as you
are to me, 1 feel as if | must tell you
the nature of the business which is
calling me to London so Unexpectedly.
The blow has fallen so suddenly that
TO speak OF 1t would be an immense
relief"
The stranger was all sympathetic
attention in a moment.
"Mr. Browne" continued the Major,
excitedly, "this time yesterday 1 be-
lieved that poor girl up stairs to be
the mistress of a fairly large fortune.
To-day-if the information | received
this morning is correct know her
to be penniless. And that is not all;
the greater part, if mot the whole, of
my income is lost Also
So sympathetic was Mr.. Browne
that he begged to know all the de-
tails. These, however, the Major was
unable to furnish; in fact he could ex-
plain nothing satisfactorily, so great
was the state Of excitement into which
he had worked himself.
flush" He said, as he heard
Maude approaching. "Not a word to
her. / wouldn't disturb her peace Of
mind for worlds, poor girl, until l am
certain how the matter stands"
The next day, about an hour after
her uncle had left for London, Maude
received the following penciled note
from MI. Browne:
My OWN DARLING: | am the most
unlucky dog that ever lived! / passed
o wretched night, and this morning i